Cristiano Ronaldo Fan Club

Cristiano Ronaldo: Star Striker Must Receive Help for Real Madrid to Catch Barca

2012-10-10T01:16:00.001-07:00

David Ramos/Getty Images

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fantastic form during the 2012-13 La Liga season, but the rest of his teammates must start performing better if the team hopes to catch Barcelona atop the table.

After fighting the Blaugrana to a 2-2 draw—with all the goals coming from Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—Madrid is in fifth place with 11 points while Barcelona is in first with 19 points.

Up to this point, Madrid’s campaign had been characterized by multiple disappointing results. The team tied Valencia 1-1 in the league opener, then lost 2-1 to Getafe in the next fixture.

Two matches later, the team plummeted further down the table with 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla. Leading up to the match against Barcelona, the Portuguese star had scored in all of the team’s victories, but failed to beat the opposing goalkeeper in the losses and draws.

The team has now started its long road back to the top of the table, but Ronaldo will not be able to carry it there on his own.

With eight goals in seven matches, Jose Mourinho cannot reasonably hope for any more production from his best player.

Gonzalo Higuain was in goal-scoring form to start the season with three goals in three matches, but he has not scored since then. Ronaldo and Higuain account for 11 of the team’s 14 goals, and no other player has hit the back of the net more than once in league fixtures.

The defense has been adequate overall, allowing just seven goals in seven games. But this is still not up to the standard the back line set for itself last season, when it only conceded 32 goals in 38 matches.

While the back four could certainly improve, the players who must step up to help Ronaldo are the attacking midfielders. Mesut Ozil andLuka Modric are counted on to be the team’splaymakers, but Ozil’s lone assist is the only goal the two have accounted for.

Whoscored.com also notes that Ozil andModric are averaging 1.3 and 1.5 key passes per game, respectively. A key pass is defined as a pass that leads to a shot, and considering that Madrid is taking a La Liga-high 18.3 shots per game, also noted by the site, these players should be accounting for more of these opportunities.

Other Galácticos must step up and create more goals, or Madrid will suffer disappointing results similar to the ones that have characterized the early part of the team’s season.

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2012-09-26T10:03:00.002-07:00

Downbeat: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (Picture: REUTERS)

Cristiano Ronaldo's 'unhappiness' at Real Madrid has been revealed as a row over the players image rights, according to reports in Spain.

Ronaldo shocked world football earlier this month by revealing that he was considering his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, after a behind-the-scenes row left him 'sad' with his position at the club.

The Portuguese superstar refused to clarify what the issue is, but he denied a fortnight ago that his disappointment with Madrid was a brazen attempt to earn a bumper pay rise as part of a new contract.

However, according to reports in Spain this week, the ongoing row between Ronaldo and Real IS down to money - the amount the club earn from his lucrative sponsorship deals, to be exact.

Ronaldo agreed to a 60:40 split of all money earned from sponsors when he signed for Madrid in a world-record £80 million deal in 2009, but despite already getting the larger percentage, he has allegedly demanded that he is paid 100% of all money from now on.

The issue is dominating negotiations over a new contract, and Ronaldo is said to have been left furious by president Florentino Perez's refusal to even entertain the idea.

It is understandable though, given the 27-year-old reportedly picks up close to £20 million per year in various endorsements ranging from sports brand Nike to video game Pro Evolution Soccer.

Ronaldo has three years left to run on his current contract.

Ronaldo keen to move on

2012-08-20T19:47:00.001-07:00

REAL Madrid’s star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was quick to switch his attention to Thursday’s Spanish Supercopa first-leg showdown with arch-rival Barcelona after his side was held to a disappointing home draw in their opening Primera Division match.

Madrid, which ended Barca’s three-year reign as Spanish champion last season, would have been eager to get its defence off to a winning start and it looked on course to do that after taking a 10th-minute lead against Valencia through Gonzalo Higuain.

However, Valencia, which finished third last term behind Madrid and Barca, hit back just before half-time through Jonas to salvage a 1-1 draw from its trip to the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo admitted that it was not the ideal start to their campaign, but was keen to look forward - with a mouthwatering encounter against Barca next on the agenda. The Portugal international said on his club’s website: “We played well and created opportunities.

“We played well in the first half, and better in the second, but it was not to be. We had chances to score one or two more goals and get the win. This is the first match and it’s not the best result, but we must continue.

“Now we are only thinking about the match against Barcelona. We have a Supercopa match we have to win; we will give our all to win the game there and then win here to lift the Cup.”

One Madrid player who seems certain to miss the first leg at the Nou Camp is defender Pepe, who spent the night in hospital after suffering a clash of heads with his goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, which led to him being substituted at half-time against Valencia.

According to a Madrid medical statement, Pepe, having undergone a CAT scan, “has remained stable with good level of awareness” and will undergo further tests.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be like Beckham and finish career in MLS

2012-08-06T19:19:00.002-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo
Credits: Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Major League Soccer received a massive verbal boost in popularity over the past week as it appears that Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed interest in moving to the United States premier division in the future.

Ronaldo is debatably the best player in the world, and certainly the best Portuguese export of the past decade. Madrid has been on tour in the United States for the last few weeks training in preparation of the coming La Liga BBVAseason and sat down with the press this weekend as quoted by The Sun.

The player likened his possible move to the US as following in the steps of David Beckham, who player at both Ronaldo’s past club, Manchester United and his current side, Real Madrid before moving to the LA Galaxy:

"I hope to come here to play one day.If I can help to bring better soccer here I can help, but I think they [MLS] are great, they are in a good way."
The likes of high profile players such as David Beckham of the LA Galaxy, Thierry Henry of the New York Red Bulls, and also recently acquired Tim Cahill also of New York, have greatly helped to improve the global image of the league.

Bringing a player such as Ronaldo to the North American based league, would be perhaps the biggest boost they could receive from a transfer standpoint in the future years to come.

Nobody believes I`m romantic: Cristiano Ronaldo

2012-07-21T00:43:00.003-07:00

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has bemoaned the fact that nobody ever believes him when he says that he is an old romantic when it comes to the ladies.

The Portugal international, who is currently dating Russian model Irina Shayk, has developed a reputation as something of a womaniser over the years, but he insists that nothing could be further from the truth.

Indeed, when asked during an interview with a Thai television station about what he cherishes most in women, he replied: "I always look at her heart. I think that is the most valuable attribute.

"I try to be romantic, but no one believes me!"

The 27-year-old Ronaldo also insisted that his son, who was born in 2010, is the most important thing in his life.

"He has the same hair as me, strong and curly," the attacker gushed. "I sleep and wake up with him: my son is always with me."

Ronaldo, who played a starring role in his country`s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, joined Madrid from Manchester United for a record €93.9 million in 2009.

via : Goal.com

Holidaying Cristiano Ronaldo has special message for Thai fans

2012-07-18T00:39:00.000-07:00

By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation/Asia News Network

Sun-tanned Christiano Ronaldo delivered sweet lines for Thai fans after renewing a multimillion-baht contract to represent Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ as its brand ambassador yesterday.

Over 300 journalists descended on the Plaza Athinee Hotel with hopes of talking to the Real Madrid striker, who has been in the Kingdom for more than a week holidaying with Russian model and girlfriend Irina Shayk.

The Portuguese, with unusually tanned skin after enjoying the sun and sands of the southern province of Phang Nga, impressed everyone with his charm and friendly smiles.

He made a brief appearance to sign the contract, believed to be worth between ¤3 million and ¤5 million.

Although there was no Q&A session with the media, the 27-year-old footballer spared a moment to give a message to his fans here.

"I thank all of them for giving fantastic support to me since I arrived. In the hotel, I could see from the television that people here really love football and for me that's amazing because in my life that's what I do. I thank and urge them to keep supporting,'' said the Portugal team captain, who led his team to the Euro 2012 semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain on penalty kicks.

He also gave a Portugal national jersey to a Thai junior player and shared some thoughts on how local youngsters could fulfil their soccer ambitions.

"To be in top form all the time, I believe in myself. I set goals and believe in what I can do, every year and every season. I never give up. I don't just think about my career or my job but I also help other people to believe in themselves. I like to continue working to achieve my goals,'' said Ronaldo who has been the brand ambassador of the pickup for the last two years.

Ronaldo has been spending his second off-season break in Thailand, following a post-Euro 2012 holiday in St Tropez, France.

He arrived in Phuket on July 7 on a private jet before travelling by boat to Phan Nga.

Staying in one of the province's luxurious island resorts at a reported Bt40,000 per night (S$1,628), the couple had to stay indoors for a few days due to rainy weather.

But when the southern skies cleared late last week, the Portuguese and his Russian sweetheart went out on a sea trip, stopping at famed bays and also at the famous Phi Phi Island.

They posted pictures of their activities, including canoeing and fishing, on their social media sites.

The latest picture in Ronaldo's Twitter account depicts the couple talking to villagers in a rubber plantation.

Ronaldo is due to appear on today's "Morning News" on Channel 3 and is scheduled to shoot a promotional video with Toyota in the afternoon before leaving Thailand in the evening.

8-year-old scores free kick goal reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo

2012-07-12T20:27:00.002-07:00

Prep Rally doesn't know who this young soccer stunner is. We don't know where he plays, or even if this kick definitively occurred within the past couple months. What we do know is that we can't remember the last time we saw an 8-year-old bend a ball the way he does.

As first noted by Deadspin after the video was posted on July 4, the ball really does swerve up and over a young, elementary school wall with an arc that is pretty befitting of the label bestowed upon it by the video's uploader; it looks like a shot by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Don't believe us? Just check out this Ronaldo free kick goal for Real Madrid.

If those two goals don't bare some aerial similarity, we're not sure what will. Naturally, one free kick goal by an 8-year-old hardly indicates that he's on the way to being the next Ronaldo — of the Cristiano or Brazilian type — but it can't hurt.

And it certainly doesn't hurt to check it out and marvel at one heck of a shot by a soccer tyke.

Want more on the best stories in high school sports? Visit RivalsHigh or connect with Prep Rally on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Via sports.yahoo.com

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 11 : Euro 2012

2012-06-27T20:48:00.002-07:00

Portugal 0-0 Spain : Semi-Final

Sergio Ramos (Spain) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Referee Cüneyt Cakir (R) shows a yellow card to Sergio Ramos of Spain as Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Portugal looks on during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd L) of Portugal sits on the pitch during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal and team-mates react after defeat in their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected after losing a penalty shoot out during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Portugal and Spain at Donbass Arena on June 27, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
(June 26, 2012 - Source: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal sits on the pitch during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 10 : Euro 2012

2012-06-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Portugal 0-0 Spain: Semi-Final

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prepares to take a free-kick during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal takes a free-kick during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is challenged by Alvaro Negredo of Spainduring the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Portugal and Spain at Donbass Arena on June 27, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
(June 26, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Sergio Ramos of Spain tackles Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Portugal and Spain at Donbass Arena on June 27, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
(June 26, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is persued by Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Portugal and Spain at Donbass Arena on June 27, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
(June 26, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) & Gerard Piqué (Spain)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shoots past Gerard Piqué (R) of Spain during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 9 : Euro 2012

2012-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Portugal 0-0 Spain : Semi-Final

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo (C) of Portugal delivers a Respect message before their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©Getty Images

Sergio Busquets (Spain) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Sergio Busquets of Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal in action during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) & Álvaro Negredo (Spain)Álvaro Negredo of Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal in action during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match ©Getty Images

Sergio Ramos (Spain) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Sergio Ramos of Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal in action during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is tackled during their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final match against Spain ©AFP/Getty Images

Proud Ronaldo rues Portugal's luck

2012-06-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) shows his disappointment after Portugal's shoot-out defeat ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo was left to rue Portugal's luck after losing on penalties, while team-mates Nélson Oliveira and Hélder Postiga said they could go home with their "heads held high".

Cristiano Ronaldo was left cursing Portugal's misfortune after they were eliminated 4-2 on penalties by Spain in their UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final. The Real Madrid CF forward came close to breaking the deadlock in normal time and was due to be his team's fifth penalty taker in the shoot-out but never got the opportunity as João Moutinho and Bruno Alves failed to convert. Meanwhile, team-mates Nélson Oliveira and Hélder Postiga, who missed the game through injury, believes the Selecção can go out with their "heads held high" after an impressive campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal forward
My feeling is sadness. Clearly to lose a semi-final on penalties is always hurtful but penalties are a lottery and the one with most luck is the one who wins. I think it was a very successful European Championship [for Portugal]. We did well, we were among the best four teams at the tournament and we didn't win because we didn't have luck but penalties are like that. We have to be proud, but the truth is that we are a bit frustrated because we knew that we could reach the final.

I did my best as I always do, so I'm satisfied with what I have done for the team. We have to be proud because we did what we had to do. We played well and we deserved to be in the final.

Nélson Oliveira, Portugal forward
We obviously feel a great sadness. We wanted to go through to the final and we didn't make it. We're sad but at the same time we can hold our heads high because we are dignified in our defeat. We did everything we could to win and unfortunately we were unable to do so but we come away proud. We played well and we were equal to Spain. Sadly, we didn't get the win we wanted.

Hélder Postiga, Portugal forward
Portugal demonstrated a great desire to win but unfortunately the match was decided on penalties. We didn't have the luck of previous competitions but we have to keep our heads held high because the players gave their all on the field and brought honour to Portugal. This result and the campaign should make the Portuguese proud. Now it is time to carry on working, it's time recover and start thinking about the next challenge.

Via : UEFA.com

Ronaldo raring to topple Spanish dynasty

2012-06-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is flying again after a hesitant start to the tournament and he told UEFA.com the pressure is off as he prepares to face Spain, saying: "I knew the goals would come."

It has been a curious tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal forward was either quiet or wasteful in his first two games and seemed to be wearing a permanent frown before the smiles returned in a pair of match-winning performances. With Spain next up in tomorrow's semi-final, he will be confident of making another decisive contribution.

"I have felt good – the truth is I always have," explained Portugal's captain, whose displays against Germany and Denmark were quickly forgotten as he struck both goals in the 2-1 Group B defeat of the Netherlands and found the net in the 1-0 quarter-final win against the Czech Republic.

"The truth is that with a lot of sacrifice from the team, from our players, we started to play better, and I also started to play better. We lost our first match and then won all the others. I think that shows the great mental capacity of this team, and it didn't surprise me because I knew the goals would come. Luckily they have, and I have been able to help the team."

A Ronaldo strike at the Donbass Arena on Wednesday night would be his first in four appearances against the world and European champions, and with a place in the UEFA EURO 2012 final up for grabs there could hardly be a better time to open his account. The sense of occasion will nonetheless be tremendous and, for the man wearing the armband for the Selecção das Quinas, the pressure will be intense – or perhaps not.

"Over the years, you get better at dealing with certain situations," said Ronaldo, currently joint top in the adidas Golden Boot race with Mario Gomez, Mario Mandžukić and Alan Dzagoev. "Sincerely, up until now, I'm not feeling the pressure of playing against Spain or any other team because this is part of my life. I've already been doing this for more than ten years and so I must have become accustomed to it already. I will always have responsibility, but pressure? Not much."

The 27-year-old will also feel reassuringly familiar with many of his opponents after three years at Real Madrid CF, for whom he struck an incredible 46 Liga goals in 2011/12. His composure could also be aided by memories of beating Spain at UEFA EURO 2004, when a 1-0 group stage win for the hosts ended their Iberian neighbours' campaign – La Roja's last defeat in a UEFA European Championship final tournament, in fact.

"I remember that we played very well and Nuno Gomes got the goal, I think," said Ronaldo. "These are always competitive matches and always balanced, because the Spain team always has great players and always has had. I expect it to be the same this year. These are matches which are decided on small details, and I hope Portugal will be stronger in that sense."

A repeat of that result in Lisbon would send Paulo Bento's side through to Sunday's decider in Kyiv, while evening their record in last-four contests after semi-final losses in 1984 and 2000. For Ronaldo, meanwhile, it would be evidence of progress made since the heartbreak of their showpiece loss to Greece on home soil in 2004. "It has a beautiful significance because if Portugal get the chance to play another final eight years on, it's a sign that we've been evolving in recent years, and that's what I believe," he said. "We know the next match will be difficult, but we are one step away from a great final."

Much of the credit for that must go to Bento as well, and Ronaldo praised his former Sporting Clube de Portugal team-mate for lifting the team after being appointed to salvage their qualifying campaign. "He's been doing a great job, not only now at the finals but also during qualification. I think he's done a phenomenal job. From the moment he took on the national team, he has believed in the players and he's getting results now in the final stage. He knows the players more and more, and knows Portugal have a good team." So too, after Wednesday, could the whole of Spain.

Via : UEFA.com

Ronaldo shows his true value

2012-06-24T21:04:00.001-07:00

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal against Czech Republic during their quarter-final soccer match at the National stadium in Warsaw June 21, 2012. REUTERS/Petr Josek

For eight years, European football had been waiting for this moment.

Cristiano Ronaldo is starting to impose himself on a tournament, starting to replicate his remarkable club form for Portugal, and threatening to do what even Lionel Messi has not, and win a trophy for his country.

It should be no surprise that the greatest European footballer since Johan Cruyff is starting to bend a European Championship his way.

But there is a difference, as Messi knows, between club and international football.

Until last Sunday, it felt as if Ronaldo might never quite be as influential and successful for Portugal as he has been for his three clubs.

But something changed on that Sunday night in Kharkiv, and now Ronaldo is one game away from returning to the final that, as a tearful teenager, he lost to Greece in Lisbon.

Portugal's progress to the semi-final, not very widely predicted before the tournament, owes everything to two of the best individual performances in the history of the competition.

First was the Netherlands, backed by many to emerge as champions.

For all the talk about Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, Ronaldo made it immediately clear who the most important player on the pitch was.

With Portugal behind early on, he thumped a shot against the post before calmly equalising from Joao Pereira's perfect pass.

Then, collecting Nani's cross, he embarrassed Gregory van der Wiel and put Portugal 2-1 ahead.

He still found time to hit the post again, but the work was done: Portugal had been dragged alive out of the “Group of Death”.

It was described in Portugal as his best ever performance for the national team, at least until the next one. Because after that came Thursday night's quarter-final against the Czech Republic.

Ronaldo was just as good and just as important. The Czechs knew the source of the danger: Ronaldo could not touch the ball without being surrounded by two or three opponents.

On Thursday, just as against the Dutch, Ronaldo was undeniable: Joao Moutinho chipped in a cross from the right, and Ronaldo threw himself at the ball and headed it down, over Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech, and in.

Again, Ronaldo had dragged his team with him. Of course, the Portugal coach, Paulo Bento, was keen to remind that this was a team achievement.

“All the players have tasks on the pitch,” Bento said, “and Ronaldo played to our tactical system”.

This is the first time he has reached three goals in a major finals, having scored one each at 2010, 2008 and 2006 - after two in 2004.

This has come amid arguably the best sustained run of form in the history of the game.

In the past six seasons, three each in Manchester and Madrid, Ronaldo has scored 237 goals in 299 games. A record that only Messi can surpass (244 in 295), but all the more impressive for being split between two different but difficult leagues.

Tournaments, though, with their knockout games, alien environments and thrown-together teams are harder to influence than the more meritocratic domestic leagues.

Ronaldo will want to take Portugal back to another European final and win this time. He will want to show that he is currently the best player in the world, and quite right too, because he is. – Belfast Telegraph

Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Portugal in 1-0 win over Czech Republic

2012-06-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

PORTUGAL'S CRISTIANO RONALDO CELEBRATES SCORING THE WINNER IN HIS TEAM'S EURO 2012 QUARTER FINAL AGAINST THE CZECH REPUBLIC. PICTURE: AP

CRISTIANO Ronaldo headed in the only goal today to send Portugal into the European Championship semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
After Ronaldo twice hit the post, he finally darted in from behind his marker in the 79th minute with all the instincts of an all-out striker and headed a cross from Joao Moutinho past the flailing hands of Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech.

It rewarded his country for the relentless pressure throughout the match and Ronaldo with a third goal in two matches.

Portugal, which will play either Spain or France in the semi-finals in Donetsk, Ukraine, next Wednesday, is one game away from reaching its second European Championship final in eight years.

Ronaldo already provided some leadership and two goals to get past the Netherlands in the decisive last group game, and his encore was the lone goal on Thursday.

His strike finally punished the negative tactics of the Czechs, who had parked most of their players in front of Cech for much of the game.

For long it seemed to work, as even luck seemed to go against the Portuguese.

In first-half injury time, Ronaldo deadened a cross from Raul Meireles on his chest, turned and with two touches set up a right-foot shot that had Cech beaten before it crashed against the near post. He threw up his eyes skyward in despair, and for long the desperation would continue.

In the 49th, Ronaldo clipped the post with a 25-metre free kick as pressure immediately increased in a match where the Czechs seemed to be looking for little else than a rare counter-attack ahead of a penalty shootout.

By then, Ronaldo had hit the post four times in two games. And when he finally scored and was mobbed by his teammates, he went over to the camera with a beaming smile for a victory kiss to the rest of the world.

At the final whistle, Ronaldo dropped to his knees with clenched fists, then rose as Miguel Veloso jumped into his arms in celebration.

Portugal 2-1 Netherlands

2012-06-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo scores the first of his two goals in Kharkiv

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal's passage into the quarter-finals with two goals that ended the Netherlands' dismal participation at Euro 2012.

A cracking strike from Rafael van der Vaart put the Dutch ahead in the first half, but Ronaldo had the game level by the 28th minute.

The Real Madrid star then settled the game 16 minutes from time when he calmly controlled a searching ball from Nani before slotting past the helpless Maarten Stekelenburg in the Dutch goal.

Ronaldo was irresistible throughout as he led his side to a last-eight appointment with the Czech Republic in Warsaw on Thursday.

The 27-year-old responded to criticism of his form with a mesmerising display topped by a goal in each half to ensure Portugal finished the 'group of death' as runners-up behind Germany.

Apart from the fine early strike from van der Vaart, the Netherlands were poor, ensuring a team considered among the pre-tournament favourites finished bottom of Group B without a point to their name.

The match was 11 minutes old when Holland's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals were given a shot in the arm.

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben weaved a path to the edge of the area where Van der Vaart was waiting to steer an inch-perfect finish into the bottom left corner.

A moment of madness from Gregory van der Wiel almost saw Holland concede the advantage but, having inexplicably passed the ball to Helder Postiga, he watched in relief as the Portugal striker shot wide with only Stekelenburg to beat.

Stekelenburg then kept out a well-struck header by Ronaldo, who would not be denied in the 28th minute.

The initial damage was done by Joao Pereira's defence-splitting pass and Ronaldo rewarded his vision with a composed first touch and slick finish.

Nani missed narrowly, but it was Portugal's captain who was the prominent figure on the pitch as he twice went close to seizing the lead.

Holland's defence was in danger over being over-run with Ronaldo cast at their tormentor in chief with Portugal pushing for a second.

The Real Madrid forward continued to attack the Dutch early in the second half, but his side should have trailed in the 53th minute.

Wesley Sneijder crossed from the left to the unmarked Ron Vlaar only for his clumsy attempted header to drift off-target from close range.

Postiga had a goal disallowed for offside before Fabio Coentrao was denied by sharp reactions from Stekelenburg, who then frustrated Nani from point-blank range after a marauding run by Ronaldo.

The Portugal wingers combined once again in the 74th minute, and this time Holland cracked.

A swift counter attack ended with Nani feeding a long pass to Ronaldo who dummied his shot, took the ball into space and prodded home.

Van der Vaart curled an effort onto the right post as the Dutch produced a strong finish, but there was still time for Ronaldo to hit the woodwork.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 8: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T22:19:00.002-07:00

Denmark v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal misses a chance at goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal has his effort saved by Stephan Andersen of Denmark during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts to a missed chance at goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal gives a thumbs up at the final whistle during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 7: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T22:11:00.002-07:00

Denmark v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal clashes with Simon Kjær of Denmark during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is put under pressure by Christian Eriksen of Denmark during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 6: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Denmark v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal takes a freekick during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 5: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T21:43:00.003-07:00

Denmark v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal gestures during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugalin action during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 4: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Denmark v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal runs in to attack the ball from a free kick during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal breaks with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal prepares to take freekick during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Denmark and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 13, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 12, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 3: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T21:13:00.003-07:00

Germany v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Jerome Boateng of Germany during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Joern Pollex/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 2: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Germany v Portugal - Group B: UEFA EURO 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal lines up during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)

Jerome Boateng of Germany tries to block the cross from Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Joern Pollex/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal battles for the ball with Jerome Boateng of Germany during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Joern Pollex/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Sami Khedira of Germany fight for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Germany and Portugal at Arena Lviv on June 9, 2012 in L'viv, Ukraine.
(June 8, 2012 - Source: Joern Pollex/Getty Images Europe)

Cristiano Ronaldo in action 1: Euro 2012

2012-06-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Portugal training and press conference

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) attends a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Pepe high-five ball boys as they attend a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) attends a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Portugal controls the ball during a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Nani (Portugal) (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Pepe (Portugal) (L), Bruno Alves (C) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Portugal during a training session ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo isn't making any friends

2012-06-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during the Euro 2012 championships football match Denmark vs Portugal on June 13, 2012 at the Arena Lviv.
Photograph by: DAMIEN MEYER, AFP/GettyImages

While we are all keeping our eye firmly on the ball during Euro 2012, we are missing the little nuances that make a tournament like this so intriguing.

I am not in Poland or Ukraine, but I am glued to my television for five hours a day and loving it. When not watching, I have been scouring media reports from around the world for snippets that may be of surprising importance to what happens on the field.

EGO MAN: We all know Cristiano Ronaldo is among the very best goal scorers, and if we didn't know it before, we saw on the pitch in Portugal's defeat by Germany last week that his opinion of himself can tear a team apart. When that game ended, the Real Madrid star stomped off the field almost on the double. The fans made it clear they hated that.

They couldn't have liked the frequent disgusted arm gestures from Ronaldo when the ball didn't come to him the way he wanted it or a teammate made an error.

Coach Paulo Bento then had to strenuously deny allegations his captain pulled out of training on Monday. These are unnecessary distractions when your team is threatened with elimination from the tournament, and Portugal was fortunate to eke out a 3-2 win over Denmark on Wednesday.

Maybe Ronaldo was the only one badly distracted. He missed three sitters in that game.

CAPTAIN CRANKY: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the star of the Swedish show and has been for years, but I wonder what good he was doing to morale when reports emerged that he berated teammates for waving to their wives and girlfriends in the cool down after the surprise 2-1 defeat by Ukraine. So what? Then we hear he began to complain about coach Erik Hamren playing Markus Rosenberg in attack with him rather than his favourite partner, Johan Elmander. Was he trying to bully the boss or simply frustrated?

After that, reports surfaced about the bare bum training incident: The team was playing keep-up, where they stand in a circle and volley the ball from one to the other. It appears reserve goalkeeper Johan Wiland misplayed his volley and, for his pains, had to pull down his shorts and his colleague took shots at him. Not sure if this was stress-reducing team building or bullying.

With Sweden meeting England in a must-win game Friday, however, its fans must be hoping the players don't make asses of themselves.

SAMIR SHUT UP: Anyone watching the 1-1 France-England draw on Monday will have noticed Samir Nasri putting his finger to his lips after scoring the equalizer and then mouthing something toward the touchline. Turns out he was shouting "shut your face" toward a journalist from L'Equipe, the French sports newspaper, who had been criticizing him.

He now admits this was an ill-advised, spur-of-the-moment reaction, but, in true Nasri fashion, he refused to apologize more than to say he was "clumsy" and that his mother is ill and doesn't like reading that her son is "rubbish." These are stressful times for players.

INTOLERABLE, ANTONIO: It's tough enough playing under huge pressure, but when one of your squad members uses a Euro news conference to take a shot at gay players, you have to wonder where his head is. Often-outspoken Italian striker Antonio Cassano was asked about reports that there are two "secret" gay players on the Italian squad. His response? "That's their problem. I hope there isn't one in the national team."

No surprise that he later apologized through the Italian news agency ANSA. He said he was "sincerely sorry my comments have caused controversy and protests among gay people. I didn't want to offend anyone and I absolutely don't want to put a person's sexual freedom under discussion."

WHAT A WET EXCUSE: When you are the master of the passing game and a world champion but cannot score the goals needed to win, you should stop coming up with lame excuses. Spain tied Italy 1-1 on Sunday and promptly blamed the pitch. Coach Vicente del Bosque and his players said it hadn't been watered enough.

The claim was that the Spaniards' quick, one-touch passing was made more difficult on a dry pitch, and that it was better suited to the Italians, who apparently were perfectly satisfied with the playing surface. UEFA said it waters pitches as much as possible before a game, but only to the point before extra water could cause damage. Perfectly fair system, it would seem.

THE WEDNESDAY GAME WRAP: We had a couple of nail-biters in Group B and both turned out to be thrillers. Portugal was in a tough spot after losing to Germany in its first match, so it needed a special day against Denmark. Ronaldo, the man you might expect to lead the way, faltered as he missed a bunch of chances he would normally bury.

The Portuguese must have believed they were on a good day with goals from Pepe and Helder Postiga in the opening 36 minutes. However, Nichlas Bendtner, Denmark's sole striker, pulled one back with a 41st-minute header. That set the tone for a frenetic second half and Bendtner squared the game with eight minutes to go with a second header after being left unmarked in the penalty box.

So Silvestre Varela was brought on for Portugal. He had been there for just three minutes when he unleashed a screaming shot that gave his country a 3-2 win and the points to keep its hopes alive. The second game was another must-win, this time for the Netherlands, which had opened with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark.

It was never to be, in spite of a spirited effort in a free-flowing game. Germany started strong and, after 38 minutes, it was two goals up, both scored by Mario Gomez and both wonderful strikes. For the first, Gomez took a through ball, spun 180 degrees in full flight and slid it home. For the second, he raced into the penalty area and fired a powerful effort across the face of the goal into the far corner of the net. Two goals from a player in confident mood.

The Dutch kept pushing forward and gave themselves a chance when Robin van Persie, who had been out of touch until that moment, produced a power turn and a power shot to pull one goal back. Seventy-two minutes had gone. The men in orange, who desperately threw themselves forward, couldn't find an equalizer in the final 18 minutes. They left the field looking despondent.

It is a result that leaves the Netherlands in serious danger of elimination. Germany is virtually assured of a quarter-final place, but both Portugal and Denmark have three points while the Netherlands has none. It looks as if second place will be decided on goal differential, with the Netherlands a distinct underdog.

We must copy Euro 2004 spirit: Ronaldo

2012-06-10T19:39:00.002-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo once again failed to transfer his club form to the international stage as his side lost the opener against Germany 1-0. PHOTO: AFP

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted his team must turn back the clock if they want to go on to reach the final of Euro 2012 despite losing their opening Euro 2012 game to Germany 1-0.

A second-half header from German striker Mario Gomez was enough to give Joachim Loew’s team the three points in Group B at the Lviv Arena.

Portugal are now under pressure to win their next game against the Danes back in Lviv on Wednesday. But Ronaldo, who once again failed to transfer his club form onto the international stage, is calling for his team to emulate the spirit of the Euro 2004 team which lost their opening game 2-1 to eventual-winners Greece, but still went onto reach the final, where they lost 1-0 to the Greeks in Lisbon.

“We were better than Germany,” said Real Madrid star Ronaldo. “Now we have to pick ourselves up and continue. We have to take as an example the team of 2004, when we also started with a defeat, but then reached the final.

“In the second half, the Germans had virtually one chance, while we hit the bar twice and had some big opportunities. There was a lot of bad luck and frustration because we knew we deserved more. Anyone who watched the match will have seen that we were better than Germany.”

Portugal will face Denmark in their second Group B match on June 13.

Pin-drop silence in Dutch dressing room

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart admitted that the dressing room atmosphere after his side’s 1-0 loss to Denmark was dreadful.

“You could have heard a fly flying in the changing room,” said the midfielder. “Now we have to win our next two games” Arjen Robben, who was guilty of missing goal-scoring opportunities, explained that it happened because of the criticism he receives in the Dutch media. “I had some good chances, particularly two in the first half,” said Robben. “For the first one, instead of shooting myself, I tried to find a teammate. I should’ve taken the chance on my own. But people in the Netherlands say I’m selfish that it must have had a subconscious impact. I wanted to be too collective. It was a mistake.”